Real life friends turn co-stars for Life Jothe Ondhu Selfie

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Prajwal: 'Wanted to make a statement with my unusual choice'

In his second film Geleya, Prajwal Devaraj took a bold step and signed a multi-starrer. This, he says, was an attempt to break the typecast of new actors signing solo films. His last multi-starrer was Tharun Sudhir’s Chowka and he follows it with Dinakar Thoogudeepa’s directorial, Life Jothe Ondu Selfie. The latter has him sharing screenspace with Prem and Hariprriya.

“Even though my first film, Sixer, was a hit, I took a risk and signed on a multi-starrer as my second. At that time, I wanted to make a statement with my unusual choice. Luckily for me, it worked and fans still remember me for my role in Gelaya. The only reason I picked up Life Jothe Ondhu Selfie was because it didn’t seem like a run-of-the-mill film,” says Prajwal, adding that working on another film with Prem after Chowka was always on the cards. “When we were contemplating the subject, Dinakar offered us this film and it we thought it was a tempting script.”

Friendship, family sentiments and action, is what Life Jothe... is about and Prajwal feels the realistic film will strike a chord with viewers. “As actors, Life Jothe... didn’t require us to be melodramatic. We just had to play ourselves. Everyone who watches the film can relate to it. In fact, when I watched the censor copy along with a few others, I observed their reactions and found that they were able to connect with the storyline,” says the actor, who plays a spoilt brat, who is the son of a magnate, in the film.

He shared a good rapport with his co-stars, Prem and Hariprriya, which he says helped him ease into his character. “There is something called satisfaction for actors, and a film that's given me immense satisfaction is Life Jothe... Other times I’ve felt this way was when I did Murali meets Meera, Bhadra, Meravanige and Chowka,” he says.

Though Prajwal and Dinakar have known each other for many years, this is the first time they are working together. “Dinakar, Darshan (Dinakar’s brother) and I are like brothers. Dinakar always felt that I was a younger version of Darshan. Everytime we met, there was a discussion on working together. Finally, it came through with Life Jothe Ondu Selfie. Dinakar has a keen eye for detail and is particular about every frame. He never compromises on the backdrop or sets,” says Prajwal.

Prem wanted to be a playback singer, but other responsibilities made him choose acting

For actor Prem, a film’s subject and story is all that matters. So, when he took up Life Jothe Ondu Selfie, where he shares screen space with Prajwal Devraj and Hariprriya, he did not mind that the film was a multi-starrer.

“In today’s scenario, the subject takes priority. I look at a film’s content and character before signing it on. Chowka was the best example, and I am confident Life Jothe...will be as successful,” says Prem, adding that sharing screen space is of little consequence to him.

So what appealed to him about Life Jothe..? “My character in it connects very well with my own life. There comes a time in everybody’s life when they have to choose between wanting to follow their passion or sticking with what is best for family. This is what my character goes through in the film. Personally, I wanted to be a playback singer, but other responsibilities made me choose acting,” says Prem, who is associating with director Dinakar for the second time after Jothe Jotheyalli. “I have known him since my early days in the industry. Having worked with him previously, I knew what he expects from me. Even though it’s 12 years since Jothe Jotheyalli, his love for filmmaking still remains the same,” he says.

Like Prajwal, Prem too feels that sharing a great off-screen bond helped in being comfortable in their reel roles.